Written by Captain Greg Verm
Current Water Temperatures:
USCG Station Freeport: 67.8 F
Christmas Bay: 68.4 F
San Luis Pass: 70.0 F
Bastrop Bay: 69.1 F
November has always been a special month for me in many ways growing up in Texas. Deer Season gets underway, cool air finds its way down to the Texas Upper Coast, migratory birds flood into our coastal prairies, water temperatures begin to fall, and FISH EAT! Red fish, speckled trout and flounder all become active during November and 2020 has been no different. With every passing cool front, and each day of shortened daylight hours – water temperatures continue to fall. As I write this report, the water temperatures still have a ways to go, but they are definitely heading in the right direction for Fall Fishing Fun on the Texas Upper Gulf Coast! There are many great fishing trips to enjoy this time of year, and we are catching fish on all of them.
The Back Lakes and Bays
November thru February is my favorite time of year to be in the back lakes, bayous and bays of Freeport and Galveston. As long as we do not get a tremendous amount of rainfall that hurts the clarity of these areas – some epic fishing takes place during this time. Lately, these areas are holding great numbers of red fish, speckled trout and flounder. Bird activity in Christmas, Bastrop and West Galveston Bay is steady, and feeding speckled trout, red fish, and white trout are being caught under the birds. On most of our Freeport Texas Fishing Charters live shrimp under a popping cork is tough to beat right now. Making long casts in shallow water is very essential. Also, as simple as it sounds… putting the right “pop” on a popping cork is like magic to catch fish consistently. Another great way to fish these areas during the fall is with live finger mullet. Our Freeport Fishing Guides prefer to fish these baits along the bottom. Either a Carolina rig or a three-way leader works well fished tight along the shorelines adjacent to drains. Now, for our clients that prefer to fish with artificial – this is a great time to get out of the boat and wade fish using top waters and soft plastics.
The San Luis Pass and Freeport Jetties
November is known for the “Flounder Run”. This is the time of year many flounder will make their way out from our bays and enter the Gulf to spawn. The funnel areas of the bay to the gulf is key to getting in on this “run”. Fishing soft plastics or live mullet along the bottom is the best tactic to use to catch these amazing flat fish. Also, the Freeport Jetties and mouth of the Brazos still are producing Bull Reds as they finish up their spawn run. Our Freeport Fishing Guides still are targeting and hooking into some Giant Bull Reds. There have been years when the run was still going on thru Thanksgiving week. Speckled trout and red fish are always being caught along both San Luis Pass, and November can be epic… especially for speckled trout and flounder.
This is such a great time of year to enjoy a day on the water with family or friends. Also, we have affordable waterfront lodging at Bay’s Landing if you would like to make it a mini vacation. Remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for day to day fishing reports. If you have any questions or would like to book a trip or fishing & lodging package – give us a call, email or you can book online. Happy Fishing and God Bless!